Latics Captain Craig Morgan headed home a 96th minute winner

Wigan Athletic shocked second place Gillingham with an incredible 3-2 victory after trailing 2-0 after 60 minutes.

The Gills had gone ahead through Dominic Samuel and looked to be in control when Rory Donnelly headed home.

But after Gary Caldwell brought on Jordy Hiwula and Chris McCann, Latics fought back through Will Grigg and Max Power and then Captain Craig Morgan produced a stunning 96th minute header to send the DW Stadium into raptures.

Latics made two changes to the side which drew 1-1 away at Scunthorpe, with Reece James and Leon Barnett replacing Chris McCann and Yanic Wildschut.

After a cagey opening period Gillingham had the first opportunity on 14 minutes through Bradley Dack. The prolific midfielder curled his free kick beyond Jussi Jaaskelainen but his strike came back off the right hand post and away to safety.

Latics responded and nearly went ahead themselves when Donervon Daniels’ low cross was met by Jason Pearce but the defender couldn’t beat Stuart Nelson from close range.

Gillingham were looking an accomplished outfit and they took the lead on 24 minutes through Dominic Samuel. The striker broke free from Jason Pearce down the right hand side and slotted home past Jaaskelainen.

Latics tried to respond and Jacobs produced a shot from distance which forced an excellent save from Nelson low down to his right.

Then Andy Kellett had a great opportunity to draw Latics level. Kellett found himself with a free header at the back post following a corner, but disappointingly he could only head wide of the target.

Wigan had been unable to convert their chances in the opening half and the Gills went into the interval with a slender lead.

Gillingham started the second half brightly. First Bradley Dack had an effort from distance and then they doubled their lead following a defensive mix-up between keeper Jaaskelainen and Donervon Daniels which allowed Rory Donnelly to head home.

Gary Caldwell responded by sending on Jordy Hiwula and Chris McCann in place of Reece James and Andy Kellett.

The substitutions and change in formation enabled Latics to gain momentum and they pulled a goal back on 64 minutes through Will Grigg.

A high cross into the box was knocked down by Jacobs towards Grigg who smashed the ball home from inside the six yard box.

Latics still had plenty of work to do as Gillingham were proving resolute opponents. But on 67 minutes Latics drew level following a mistake by Gills keeper Nelson.

Max Power struck a shot from 25 yards straight at the keeper but he was unable to hold the shot and the ball squirmed through his hands and into the net.

Gillingham were stunned to be hauled back level after looking to be in control of the game. Latics however, were now in the ascendency and they could sense the possibility of a victory.

Donervon Daniels was getting forward at every opportunity and with about 10 minutes remaining he nearly gave Wigan the lead when he drove into the area but his shot was narrowly wide of the right hand post.

The match then looked to be heading towards a draw but in the 96th minute Latics captain Craig Morgan produced a superb winning header.

Max Power’s corner was met perfectly by Morgan, who found the top corner of the net to send the Latics players and supporters into delirium.

It was another remarkable comeback following on from this season’s previous comebacks at Chesterfield and Bury.

The team had once again demonstrated their desire and commitment to fightback from a losing position and this should give them a huge boost going into the forthcoming fixtures.

Wigan remain in fifth place but are now only six points behind the second-placed Gillingham.